U.S. Congress’ approval at 15 percent

Americans remain down on Congress, with 15% approving and 78% disapproving of the job it is doing. This approval rating is similar to the low levels seen this year, and is five percentage points above the all-time low of 10%, last recorded in August 2012.

Congress’ approval rating remains stagnant at the low end of Gallup’s historical trend. Approval has averaged 15% so far this year, far below the overall 33% average rating for the entire trend since 1974.

The average for 2013 to date ties with 2012 for the lowest annual average on record. More generally, Americans’ views of Congress have been depressed for the past few years, averaging 17% in 2011 and 19% in 2010. The highest yearly average was 56% in 2001, due to a spike in congressional approval after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.